Pumpkin and Willow Back with Their Pool Mates Following Successful Eye Procedure!

We are pleased to announce that following a successful pinniped keratopathy procedure, resident grey seals Pumpkin and Willow are back in Harbour View with their pool mates, Jinx and Aayla.

What is Pinniped Keratopathy?

Pinniped Keratopathy (PK) is fairly common with pinnipeds (seals, sea lions and walruses) in captivity – it is a progressive and degenerative corneal disease and can result in painful oedemas and ulcers in the eyes. The main causes of PK in captivity are UV exposure and water quality, highlighting the sanctuary’s need for the development of new pools. The Fund our Future project proposes higher quality filtration and retractable permanent shades; the development will likely reduce the need for these procedures in the future and will help keep our seals’ eyes healthy.

Why Did Pumpkin and Willow Need Surgery?

Recently, both Pumpkin and Willow’s eyes had turned a milky blue colour, indicating the presence of oedema and ulcers. Up to this point, the team have tried to do all they can to help by using different types of eye drops; neither of the pair enjoys having these, and as soon as they enter the water, the drops wash out – meaning it is not a viable long-term solution, leaving surgery as the only possible choice to help their eyes.

“As a team, we started to notice that Pumpkin and Willow were beginning to become frustrated during eye drop sessions and following discussions with the vets at the International Zoo Veterinary Group, we decided we needed to look for a long-term solution to improve their quality of life. These implants mean that eye drop sessions will likely no longer be necessary and we should notice an improvement in their eye health.”

Ben Haden, Animal Care Specialist – Willow’s Carer

A Sanctuary-Wide Effort

On the 20th April 2026, both seals underwent surgery to place four cyclosporin implants into each eye. This was a sanctuary-wide effort with both seals being handled and monitored carefully by our attentive animal care and site team. Our animal care volunteers were a massive help with preparations during the build-up to operation day. Our front of house and education teams were excellent at informing the public about the procedure, and a huge thank you also goes to the café staff for keeping the team refreshed throughout, on an exceptionally busy day. Finally, as a sanctuary, we are so thankful to have these procedures carried out by a team of excellent IZVG vets: Steve, Sue, and Claudia Hartley, Professor of Veterinary Ophthalmology at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Surgery Day

The animal care team came in bright and early on the day of surgery to get everything ready. First up was Pumpkin; the vets were extremely efficient and completed the surgery quickly and successfully. Pumpkin was in his recovery pool in no time, albeit quite sleepy.

Then it was Willow’s turn. Again, the vets performed incredibly well, and Willow was soon in her recovery pool monitored by her carers. To the team’s surprise, both seals had their eyes open by the end of the day and were looking through the gates trying to get to each other – which was a heartwarming and positive sign that they were feeling okay. The team weren’t the only ones looking over Pumpkin and Willow – their pool mates Jinx and Aayla seemingly took turns sitting at the barriers watching over the duo!

A Remarkable Recovery

It is now three months post-surgery, and both seals are back in Harbour View and back to their usual selves; playing, training and occasionally annoying each other! Their behaviour seems much calmer and positive now they are not having to sit out of the water for 10 minutes during eye drop sessions. As for their eyes – whilst the colour of their eyes hasn’t changed too much, they are no longer staining. We use eye stain, which highlights signs of damage or ulceration in their eyes – as they are no longer staining, this suggests that there is little to no ulceration present! Hopefully, we will continue to see further improvements as the implants continue to work!

“Everyone at the sanctuary would like to say a huge thank you to the vets from IZVG and Claudia for their incredible work during these procedures! Both seals are more comfortable day to day, and we hope to continue to see improvements over the coming months.”

Heather Green, Animal Care Specialist - Pumpkin’s Carer

Looking Ahead

The cyclosporin implants typically remain effective for around 18 months, and we hope they will continue supporting Pumpkin and Willow's eye health until our planned pool improvements are complete.

This successful procedure highlights the dedication of our veterinary specialists, staff and volunteers, and demonstrates what can be achieved when every department works together for the wellbeing of our animals.

Most importantly, Pumpkin and Willow are now more comfortable day-to-day, and we look forward to watching them continue to thrive in Harbour View.